Brochure Improves Disposal of Unused Opioids After Surgery

Patients more likely to dispose of unused opioids after getting information and recommendations

(HealthDay News) -- Disseminating an educational brochure improves disposal of unused opioids after surgery, according to a study published online in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.

Jessica M. Hasak, MPH, from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and colleagues surveyed eligible surgery patients from an upper extremity/peripheral nerve clinic (from February to September 2017). Patients were assigned to either receive (170 participants) or not receive (164 participants) an educational brochure on opioids, including how to dispose of unused medication after surgery.

The researchers observed a significant increase in the proportion of patients who disposed of their unused opioids among the group receiving the brochure (11 vs 22%; P=0.02). However, in patients who disposed of their unused opioids, there was no significant difference in the proportion of people from each group who did so in a recommended way (43 vs 64%; P=0.19).